If you don't mind paying a premium to go green, the Logitech Solar Keyboard Folio for iPad offers an excellent typing experience in a package you'll never have to worry about keeping charged.

Green is good, but, for the most part, solar powered devices I've tested have proven to be bulky, inefficient, overpriced, or some combination of the three. The Logitech Solar Keyboard Folio ($129.99 direct), fortunately, is an add-on iPad keyboard case with a solar panel that doesn't detract from the design or function of the device. It's more expensive than non-green alternatives, like Logitech's own $100 Editors' Choice-winning Ultrathin Keyboard Cover, but for those looking to lighten the load on the planet, the Logitech Solar Keyboard Folio won't disappoint.

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Design, Setup, and KeyboardLogitech offers the Solar Folio in carbon black, urban grey, ice blue, or coral pink. A thin suede cover wraps around a rubberized plastic frame and keyboard, giving the Solar Keyboard Folio an understated look and comfortable feel in your hand. The suede outer portion of the case isn't terribly rigid, so I wouldn't count on this folio for too much protection from falls. The solar panel itself is unobtrusive and adds little bulk. Inside, next to the keyboard, is a plastic pad and metal bar that ostensibly houses the battery and energy conversion technology. Given the keyboard's height, the solar components don't really add any unwieldy girth to the folio. At 1.02 pounds, the Solar Folio is a bit heavy—the Logitech Ultrathin weighs only 11.36 ounces.

There's a plastic frame that accommodates the iPad 2, the third-generation iPad, and Apple's latest fourth-generation model. For the latter, it just has a larger opening than necessary for the slimmer Lightning connector. It's easy to install and remove iPads, and cutouts allow access to all the tablet's ports and buttons. There are small rubber feet that stick out at the bottom of the frame and prop the iPad up in multiple typing positions or at a smaller angle for watching movies in your lap.

Setup is very simple, as the Solar Keyboard Folio automatically turns on and enters pairing mode the first time you prop your iPad up in a typing position. To the right of the keyboard is a Battery Check button and Bluetooth Connect button, pressing the former lets you check to see if the internal battery is low and pressing the latter allows you to re-pair with another iPad. The Solar Folio automatically turns off when not in use and in my tests, turned on rapidly when propped back into typing position. Logitech recommends six hours of typical room lighting for a full charge. The good news is that you don't need to, say, leave it on a windowsill in direct sunlight to juice it up, but keep in mind that you can't plug it in for power in a pinch. The only way to charge the Solar Keyboard Folio is with light. Luckily, I never ran out of power during my four-day test period, even when using the Solar Keyboard Folio primarily indoors.

The case uses the same layout and chiclet style keys as the Logitech Ultrathin. As such, key feel is excellent and I had no trouble typing long documents. The keys provide a satisfying click and they never felt mushy or unresponsive. There's a bit more flex with the Solar Keyboard Folio than the Ultrathin, which has a far more rigid aluminum frame. I was able to comfortably type in my lap, as the rubber feet helped keep the folio propped up. There are no dedicated keys other than the Home button, but a Function key provides shortcuts for media controls and commands like cut, copy, or paste.

ConclusionsThe Logitech Solar Keyboard Folio retains the excellent key feel from the company's Ultrathin Keyboard Cover, but loses the slick look and rigid aluminum frame in favor of solar charging capability. Thankfully, the solar panels don't add any significant bulk and I never found myself waiting for the folio to charge. It isn't quite as versatile or durable as the ClamCase, but it's more portable and you'll never have to worry about carrying around extra cables or adapters. Bluetooth keyboard folios, on the whole, don't require constant charging or a ton of power to run, so unless you're overly concerned with your carbon footprint, the less-expensive Ultrathin Keyboard from Logitech, which offers a more portable and attractive design with a sturdier keyboard, might be a better bet.

Before joining the consumer electronics team at PCMag, Eugene worked at local news station NY1 doing everything from camera work to writing scripts. He grew up in Montclair, New Jersey and graduated from the University of Virginia in 2010. Outside of work Eugene enjoys TV, loud music, and making generally healthy and responsible life choices.
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